JW: You grew up in an area known for its surf culture. How has that shaped your surfing and your lifestyle?
SH: I got a ton of inspiration not just from surfing but also from the people around me—their fashion, their way of life. It wasn’t just about riding waves; the whole vibe around surfing influenced who I am and how I carry myself.

JW: How did your surfing style take shape? Were there any people or experiences that influenced you?
SH: Before I started surfing, I was really into skateboarding. I learned a lot from skating—how to move and express style—and that naturally carried over into my surfing. Skating definitely played a big part in shaping how I surf today.

JW: You split your career between surfing and working as a model. Where does that motivation come from, and how does it impact your surfing?
SH: Sometimes, when I’m only surfing, I lose a bit of motivation. Going to modeling gigs or watching runway shows introduces me to people working hard in totally different worlds—it fires me up again. I do those things partly to stay inspired and keep my energy high, even in surfing.

JW: What has been the most challenging experience in your surfing journey, and how did you overcome it?
SH: Surfing the Pororoca on the Amazon River for a TV shoot was the toughest. The water was dirty, and if you wiped out, you had to float in the flooded river until a jet ski came to get you—not knowing what might be in the water or floating by. But I’ve always told myself to stay calm, especially in dangerous situations. That mindset helped me get through it.

JW: What excites you most about joining the July Wetsuits community?
SH: I’m stoked to be part of such a unique community. I’m looking forward to pushing each other and growing together through the brand's unique and creative energy.